Blue Monday: Samaritans help out at train station

Samaritans volunteers hoping to debunk the myth of "Blue Monday" have handed out free tea bags in Devon.

Keen to dispel the myth of 20 January being "the most depressing day of the year", the charity launched its local Brew Monday campaign to encourage people to get people together over a cup of tea.

Samaritans of South Devon used the day to remind people of the power of human connection, handing out tea bags and chatting to passengers at Newton Abbot train station.

The charity said Brew Monday was "about more than just tea" and the important thing was to check in with each other.

The concept of Blue Monday is believed to have originated as part of a marketing campaign in 2004 and its scientific base is disputed.

The charity said it knew "there's no such thing as Blue Monday", but the campaign added it was an opportunity to show people that mental health help was available.

It said: "We've said it before and we'll say it again, feeling low isn't just something that happens on Mondays or a random day in January."

Devon volunteers greeted commuters at Newton Abbot train station between 07:00 and 16:00 GMT.

South Devon branch director Robert Langdon said: "There's no right or wrong way to check in on those you care about, it doesn't matter if it's over the phone, in person, with tea or without; the important thing is to check in and connect with those you care about.

"We know first-hand what a difference those moments of human connection can make to those who are struggling."

The charity added that anyone could contact it for free any time, including from a mobile phone without credit.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].